FIX AUTO AND NOVUS GLASS LAUNCH FLAGSHIP BODYSHOP IN IRELAND
Following the April announcement that Fix Auto World will develop a comprehensive aftermarket services solution in Ireland across it’s two franchise network brands, Fix Auto and NOVUS Glass, Fix Auto Westmeath in Mullingar, becomes the first Fix Auto Ireland bodyshop to launch - breaking all speed-to-market records for the global brand.
Mullingar (Ireland), September 18, 2018 – Fix Auto Westmeath, integrating Novus Glass windscreen-repair technology, was launched this week at a well-attended event in Lough Sheever Corporate Park, Mullingar.
Criostoir Sleator, a well-known industry professional with more than 25 years' experience in the collision repair sector, is the Managing Director of Fix Auto Westmeath. He retains his position as Managing Director of Sleator KIA, also in Mullingar.
The decision to re-brand the already successful Sleator’s Bodyshop was a natural one for Criostoir and Emer Sleator. “By responding to changing dynamics within our industry, and aligning our business with Fix Auto Ireland, we are protecting our status as market-leaders in the Midlands and offering the next generation of customer care. Our new capabilities, including glass repair and replacement, are unparalleled. Fix Auto Westmeath is really a state-of-the-art collision repair shop, and we are enormously proud of it”, Sleator said.
On hand to celebrate the launch were Jonathan Penny and Denis Dineen, founders of Fix Auto Ireland, David Lingham, Head of Business for Fix Auto World, Noah Stommel, of Novus Glass USA, and many professionals from the Irish automotive industry. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mullingar Mayor, Bill Collentine, guests toured the facility, observed glass repair and Spanesi TOUCH demonstrations, and listened to speakers from the industry - including Morgan Stewart of RSA Insurance Ireland, and David O’Connor of KIA Motors Ireland.
“It was an honour to be asked to speak at the launch of Sleator Kia’s new state of the art workshop and Fix Auto Westmeath body shop. Investment in the future is so important and shows a commitment to achieving excellent customer care”, said O’Connor, going on to wish Criostoir Sleator and his team the best of luck.
Speaking at the launch, Jonathan Penny, Market Operations Director for Fix Auto Ireland, also congratulated Sleator and his team, and renewed his commitment to grow and foster the Fix Auto Ireland network to combine the best of the brands’ operational excellence, with local market knowledge and strong marketing resources. “Our aim is to provide a collision and glass business model that drives customer service and performance. This will allow our members to concentrate on their expertise, while enjoying the support of a dedicated marketing, sales and operations team to maximise their business potential. There’s no better example of that than Criostoir Sleator’s business here in Mullingar”, Penny explained.
Following extensive training training to Integrate NOVUS Glass, Fix Auto Ireland collision repair shops like Sleator’s will offer an unrivalled value proposition for Irish consumers and work providers alike, the business team believe. “Fix Auto is a strong and distinctive brand, built on trust. The same level of business innovation and training in Ireland will ensure all our franchisees are at the cutting edge of the collision repair industry, and that customers can expect the same quality body work and customer experience at each and every location,” added Denis Dineen, Network Director.
Master franchisor Fix Auto World has developed strong relationships with work providers to simplify the claims process and promote transparency for consumers. Their Original Equipment team continue to create strong bonds with manufacturers, enabling Fix Auto members to have unrivalled access to manufacturer’s support services, a business platform which the Fix Auto Ireland team will continue to develop. With the recent announcement of its intention to enter the New Zealand market, the rapid launch in Ireland, to be officialized at a launch event on June 7th, brings Fix Auto to have a presence in 11 countries.
Speaking at the event, David Lingham, Head of Business for Fix Auto World, said the caliber of body shop professionals in Ireland was already high and could only be enhanced with the support provided by the global franchise organisation. “The Irish aftermarket space understands the need for consolidation and seems to be ready to embrace a service offering like ours. We are pleased to bring our proven business model to Ireland and be partnered with high-caliber businesses such as Sleators, to integrate our body shop and glass brands from the very start,” said Lingham. "We are confident that we have found knowledgeable and like-minded partners in Jonathan, Denis and now Criostoir, to grow our network and our brand."
ABOUT FIX AUTO WORLD
For over 25 years, Fix Auto has been bringing forward-thinking independent automotive aftermarket repair shop owners together. In 2016, we added mechanical and glass to our portfolio with one clear goal: to help customers drive forward with confidence. With more than 2,100 franchise, retail, repair, affiliate, distribution and manufacturing locations in over 40 countries worldwide, Fix Auto World is the global aftermarket services network.
Independent collision repair business owners interested in the new Fix Auto Ireland franchise proposition can contact Jonathan Penny on 086 231 4912, and further information is available on the website www.fixauto.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Stephanie Corrente
Communications & Public Relations Manager
Fix Auto World
scorrente@fixautoworld.com
Summarizing Sleator’s brand ethos - FIX AUTO WESTMEATH is the next generation in customer care.
Exterior, Fix Auto Westmeath, Unit 13, Lough Sheever Corporate Park
Windscreen glass repair demonstration, b y Noah Stommel of Novus Glass, USA - a Fix Auto brand.
Emer and Criostoir Sleator, Fix Auto Westmeath and Sleator Kia, pictured with David Lingham, Head of Business for Fix Auto World, and Jonathan Penny, Market Operations Director, Fix Auto Ireland.
A warm welcome to the new state-of-the-art bodyshop, from Criostoir Sleator, Fix Auto Westmeath
Ribbon cutting ceremony - pictured left to right are Denis Dineen, Network Director, Fix Auto Ireland, David Lingham, Fix Auto World, Mullingar Mayor Bill Collentine, Criostoir Sleator and Emer Sleator, Fix Auto Westmeath and Jonathan Penny, Fix Auto Ireland.